He had been staring down at the river, rushing silently, uncommon for a large giant. I couldn't tell it was him at first, his lean silhouette blended in with the crushing black of night. My foot thudded gently on the first wooden board of the bridge. I made my way over, feeling like a cat with extra soft padded feet.

As I came closer, he paid me no attention, as all of it was diverted towards that unanimous torrent of water. It almost seemed as if he were contemplating something…

I was submerged in curiosity, but as I approached him, he hoisted himself onto the railing. I was in shock, and I acted on an impulse.

I cried out, but his ears were numb.

I reached out, and he was cold.

Concerned, I brought him around. I remember, I was so mad, I saw red stars in the fading sky.

I threw him by the hem of his black robes onto the floorboards, and he sat there, speechless.

His eyes sparkled with shock, and faded to a dull opal.

"Idiot! You could have died!" My voice barked. It snarled. Yet, I was sick with a disease named Worry.

He looked away. I was unaccustomed to his sudden loss of his frequent anger management problems.

"Answer me. Why'd you go and do something stupid like that?"

He turned slowly, bringing his chin up and aligning his blue eyes with mine. I was caught.

"I was wondering how it would feel like, to have your life on the edge. People always tell me that the life of the Shinsengumi means to throw your life for the Shogunate, as a dog. I wanted to see," said he, "just what differences there were."

His response forced my breathe to hitch and my anger to rise. I grabbed him roughly and said,

"You freakin idiot. Everyone has their own risks they take in life, and it's what they choose to do. Don't go wasting your life on some philosophy crap like that!"

He smiled, a smile that appeared to be disguised as a smirk. In my fury, I punched him.

"You're the Demonic Vice Commander," said I, my voice cold and frigid, "who wouldn't hesitate in anything. And if you decide test your dumb theories on something stupid, I'll punch you, bastard."

"So live."

With that, I let him go. The truth of my words cooled the solemn summer air. And I turned, making my way to the other side of the bridge.

"Gintoki," My name was barely audible. "Next time, I see you, I'll kill you for sure." It was spoken softly but resolute.

I smiled, a smile that was genuine as I understood.

"Yeah."

When I reached the other side, I turned and looked back towards the middle of the bridge.

And saw the small bright red light of a cigarette.